By ERIN TIERNEY-HEGGENSTALLER
CRESWELL – There aren’t many constants in life, but Patricia “Patty” Scott is definitely one of them. A longtime Creswell resident and devoted philanthropist, Scott has a keen sense for identifying needs within the community and tirelessly works to fulfill them. You can always count on Scott to be involved in something selfless.
Her latest initiative involves fundraising for the K9 units of local police. “I found out there are no taxpayer funds for the K9 unit, and I know they do a lot of good work, deploying the dogs when someone is lost or when there are drugs,” Scott explained.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has credited its K9s with numerous success stories. Data indicates that the use of K9s significantly increases the chances of locating suspects, enhances deputy safety, and boosts the overall effectiveness of the force. These remarkable, well-trained dogs undergo an extensive training regimen that includes an initial 240 hours of training, attendance at a specialized canine academy, monthly training sessions totaling at least 16 hours, and participation in annual fall and spring seminars. Their food, veterinary care, and necessary equipment are provided through donations and fundraisers, such as the one Scott is organizing.
To support this cause, Scott and other residents have assembled raffle baskets specifically designed for the summer season. The top prize is a wheelbarrow filled with gardening supplies, a beautiful hanging flower basket, birdseed, and essential hand tools. Sherri Scott from Scott Realty Group and Tractor Supply Co. have also contributed baskets.
Raffle tickets are priced at $5 each, or you can get 6 for $25, or 25 for $100. The drawing is scheduled for May 10, the same weekend as the Creswell Communitywide Yard Sale.
“The baskets will make a lovely Mother’s Day gift,” Scott said.
You can find Scott selling raffle tickets throughout town. If you’re interested in purchasing tickets, you can call her at 541-895-2461 to arrange for pickup. All donations will go directly to the K9 program to cover food, veterinary care, and essential equipment.
Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, 125 E. 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401.
